Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the
relative teaching time and student effort required to
successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may
include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also
the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and
complete all assessment requirements, including any
non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None.

Course Description

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of how a story is told on screen. It will develop a visual and aural literacy and will place screenwriting in a cultural context by examining examples of both contemporary and historical Australian and international cinema.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFWRT402A Write extended stories

Element:

1. Analyse extended story writing requirements.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the components of a storytelling creative concept, brief or project,, including target audience, format , timeline and proposed outcomes 1.2 Consider factors such as style, tone and length in relation to purpose of the writing task 1.3 Decide on the most appropriate structuring technique for extended story writing tasks 1.4 Discuss with relevant personnel possible visual and aural storytelling structures if appropriate to storytelling tasks

Element:

2. Prepare to write extended stories.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Research extended and more complex stories from a range of creative works that may inspire story ideas to meet project requirements 2.2 Use information sources to research subject areas 2.3 Experiment with a range of narrative structures and writing styles and techniques 2.4 Develop extended ideas for characters, plots and settings 2.5 Develop complex scenarios, contexts and situations as required 2.6 Select the story structure, style, techniques and content that best meet the requirements of projects 2.7 Seek feedback from relevant personnel on proposed stories and refine approach as required

4.1 Evaluate extended stories in line with relevant criteria 4.2 Discuss and confirm with relevant personnel additional requirements or modifications to the story 4.3 Complete necessary amendments as required within agreed timelines

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to;1. Develop synopsis and treatment using story conferencing techniques.2. Identify visual drama components.3. Demonstrate an understanding of the skills and techniques required to convey the rhythm of the visual narrative and its appropriate disruption.4. Produce scenes conveying the emotional state and development of character without use of dialogue or narration.

Out of class learning activities include, but are not limited to: o Online research o Group work

Teaching Schedule

Week #

Class Content

Elements

1-16

Semester 2

TBC

Topics to be covered include; • The screenwriter in the scheme of things • Different forms of screenwriting • Creating stories • Creating characters • Visual storytelling, visual drama components and visual characterization • Film language. Semiotics, subtext and symbolism, metaphor and the power and meaning of images • Culture and story • The three act structure • Adaptation • Synopsis and treatment • Creating scenes • Writing dialogue

1-4

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Handouts

References

You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. • SCRIPTWRITING UPDATED: New & Conventional Ways of Writing for the Screen, Linda Aronson

• THE SCREENPLAY: A Blend of Film Form and Content Margaret Mehring

• HERO WITH 1000 FACES Joseph Campbell

• THE WRITERS JOURNEY: Mythic Structure for WritersChris Vogler

• STORY Robert McKee

• ON FILM-MAKING Alexander MacKendrick

Other Resources

Pen, paper. laptop computer.

Overview of Assessment

You will be required to present a story board, do a presentation to class on a screen play, workshop and develop a draft short film script or treatment and participate in class activities.

Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.

1 Presentation of a storyboard of 30 static images (photos or drawn) that tell a short story. Visual only – no dialogue or captions (30%) DUE TBC 2 Class Presentation – Discuss the screenplay of one Australian film by examining elements such as structure, characterization, themes etc. (30%) Due TBC 3 Through workshopping, develop and write the first draft of a ten (10) minute short film. Approximately ten to twelve pages of formatted script. (30%)

OR

Through workshopping, develop and write a treatment for a thirty (30) minute short film. Approximately three to five pages of prose. (30%) Due TBC

4 Participation in class discussions and workshopping (ongoing) (10%)

NB: Assignments will be assessed with an eye to story, plot, structure, character, imagery and subtext.

The details on these assessments and the grading criteria for this competency can be found on the course blackboard site.